Hold Positions Research Articles

Elite Status-Seeking and Class Reproduction in Civil Society: An Analysis of Corporate Elite Appointments to Charity Boards.

This article examines the relationship between economic elites and civil society by analysing the appointments of corporate elites to the boards of charitable companies in the UK. Whilst previous research has usually focused on who among the corporate elite hold positions in key civil society organisations, and the extent to which these organisations are integrated into corporate networks, we use data on the nature and operations of civil society organisations to identify which are more likely to attract corporate elites as board members. Using a dataset of over thirty-one thousand UK incorporated companies registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales, we examine the appointments of corporate elite to these organisations over a 10-year period. Based on these appointments, we are able to offer insights into the social networks, values and interests of the corporate elite as a whole. We find that the UK corporate elite are more likely to join the boards of larger, high-status charities, and those that support traditional upper-class culture and class reproduction. We also find they are relatively more likely to join organisations that seek to shape politics and society-such as foundations distributing grants, or think tanks undertaking public policy research and advocacy-than those involved in the provision of welfare and social services. Taken together, the findings are suggestive of a status-seeking, culturally highbrow and secular economic elite, that is more traditional than meritocratic, and more concerned with shaping policy and supporting the institutions of their class, than directly supporting disadvantaged groups.

Learning Climbing Controllers for Physics‐Based Characters

AbstractDespite the growing demand for capturing diverse motions, collecting climbing motion data remains challenging due to difficulties in tracking obscured markers and scanning climbing structures. Additionally, preparing varied routes further adds to the complexities of the data collection process. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a physics‐based climbing controller for synthesizing climbing motions. The proposed method consists of two learning stages. In the first stage, a hanging policy is trained to naturally grasp holds. This policy is then used to generate a dataset containing hold positions, postures, and grip states, forming favourable initial poses. In the second stage, a climbing policy is trained using this dataset to perform actual climbing movements. The episode begins in a state close to the reference climbing motion, enabling the exploration of more natural climbing style states. This policy enables the character to reach the target position while utilizing its limbs more evenly. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed method effectively identifies good climbing postures and enhances limb coordination across environments with varying slopes and hold patterns.

Political conformity and digital transformation: Evidence from China

Political conformity and digital transformation: Evidence from China

Analysis of sagittal plane cine magnetic resonance imaging for measurement of pancreatic tumor residual motion during breath hold and evaluation of gating margins used in radiotherapy treatment.

In pancreatic radiotherapy, residual tumor motion during treatment increases the risk of toxicity. Cine imaging acquired during magnetic resonance guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) enables real-time treatment gating in response to anatomical motion, which can reduce this risk; however, treatment gating can negatively impact the efficiency of treatment. This study aimed to quantify the extent of residual tumor motion during breath hold and evaluate the appropriateness of the treatment gating margins used in current clinical practice. Cine imaging acquired during pancreatic MRgRT of 11 patients on the ViewRay MRIdian was analyzed. The total duration of treatment analyzed was 12 h 13 min. Improved methods for processing and analyzing cine imaging were developed: breath holds were systematically separated with frequency analysis, residual motion was measured with consideration of both the tracking structure contour and centroid, and residual motion measurements were supported by phantom measurements of image scaling, resolution, and noise. Residual motion was measured at angles 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° to the superior-inferior (SI) direction. Total residual motion was measured by combining directional measurements. The minimum tracking structure displacement resolvable through cine imaging was found to be 1.5mm; therefore, residual motion analysis was limited to 1.5mm spatial resolution. Total residual motion was contained within margins ±1.5, ±3, and ±4.5mm with mean percentage frequencies of 97.0%, 91.1%, and 67.8%. Most residual motion was observed in the SI direction, and significantly more residual motion was measured for the tracking structure contour than the centroid. The results demonstrate that patients are largely able to maintain breath hold positions to within a 3mm margin, thus provide evidence that supports the use of a 3mm gating margin in clinical practice. Residual motion frequently exceeded 1.5mm so a reduction in gating margin would have an undesirable impact on treatment efficiency.

Mapping the discursive landscape of data activism: Articulations and actors in an emerging movement

Growing awareness of the societal consequences of datafication in recent years has given rise to a new form of civil society engagement called data activism. This article examines the discourse surrounding data activism on the social media platform Twitter. Through a mixed-methods approach combining computational analysis of Twitter content and close readings of Twitter profiles, we explore how new forms of civil society action related to data justice are articulated and linked to other forms of activism, conflicts and problems, and the actors involved in these articulations. Our analysis reveals a distinction between two articulatory patterns in the data activism discourse. The first involves grassroots actors, such as community organisations and individual citizens, who challenge existing power structures and advocate for social change. The second, on the other hand, is associated with academics, capitalists and policymakers who already hold positions of power and influence. This asymmetry is consistent with previous findings in data activism research. We encourage future research to extend these patterns, using additional methods and case studies, to further refine and contextualise the understanding of data activism within the civil society realm.

The long way round: drawing to know by ‘not knowing’

While the reflexive and investigative potential of observational drawing is now acknowledged clearly within human geography, drawing practices are still most often brought to bear upon research subjects once they have been defined, rather than in helping to identify subjects for investigation. Reflecting upon the author’s own experience of artistic fieldworking, this article explores how expanded drawing can help researchers hold positions of ‘not knowing’ and maintain an openness to the possibilities that exist within a site during their earliest encounters with it. It is argued here that some forms of expanded drawing can foster ‘not knowing’ by offering access to information about the field beyond the visual, through direct and close physical engagement with it. By shifting emphasis towards sensory and embodied information, expanded drawing can generate fragmentary, partial and fugitive understandings which can unsettle assumptions about a place. Cultivating such positions of ‘not knowing’ can open up the field, break down pre-conceived object hierarchies and enable the site to ‘speak back’ and be heard more evenly. Expanded drawing also has the capacity to foster new relations between the researcher and their site as they persistently and intimately interrogate it. This is proposed as a form of ‘noticing-as-care’; a tentative artistic counter-strategy which may reveal unevenness in the attention paid across post-industrial landscapes undergoing regeneration, where areas of profound neglect and hyper-curation often sit close to each other.

How Scholars Think about Greenwashing Over the Last Two Decades. An Overview through a Bibliometric Analysis

Bibliometric analysis is a widely recognized approach for examining extensive scientific data sets. However, its application is relatively new, particularly in greenwashing within the environment. As a comprehensive concept, sustainability encompasses various aspects, and greenwashing has emerged as a specific branch that has garnered increased attention and research in recent years. The study's primary purpose is to deploy the bibliometric method to analyze greenwashing literature from 2003 to 2023 using the Web of Science Core Collection and VOSviewer software to identify and visualize the intellectual landscape of the field. The number of scientific publications related to the topic confirms the importance and popularity of the subject. In this period, a total of 807 publications on the topic of greenwashing were identified, and three different periods were set. Most publications and citations primarily come from the USA, China, and other developed European countries. In terms of journals, prominent publications hold positions in the top 10, such as the Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Cleaner Production, Business Strategy and The Environment, and Sustainability. The topic mainly concerns social and natural sciences branches, emphasizing corporate social responsibility and environmental concerns. Regarding keywords, four clusters can be distinguished as being in the center of governmental, consumer, corporate, and management issues. The ongoing trends predict a persistent rise in worldwide publications regarding greenwashing.

Comparative analysis of neonatal weight and length pattern in cross-cradle and other breastfeeding positions

Background: Breastfeeding is an art and a skill which needs to be learnt and mastered. There is no one right position for breastfeeding. Any breastfeeding position that is comfortable for the mother and infant for effective breast milk transfer is an acceptable position. Cross cradle hold works well for Mothers who are breastfeeding for the first time, with latching difficulties, having flat and inverted nipples. Also, it helps in deep latching which helps to improve the level of attachment among new born. Objective of the study was to compare cross-cradle hold and other breastfeeding positions in terms of their effects on weight and length pattern in neonates among primiparous breastfeeding mothers after full-term vaginal delivery. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in the obstetrics and gynaecology department among 240 primipara mothers who delivered vaginally at the same tertiary care institute. Results: Total 50.42% mothers preferred cross-cradle hold breastfeeding position. Neonates of mothers who had adopted cross-cradle hold, had better gain in weight and length after one month. Conclusions: Significantly more gain in weight and length of neonates were observed in those mothers who have adopted cross-cradle breastfeeding position.

Role of potential power: The effect of part-time board secretary on merger decisions

Role of potential power: The effect of part-time board secretary on merger decisions

Bureaucratic Representation and Gender Mainstreaming in International Organizations: Evidence from the World Bank

How does the representation of women in international organizations affect the implementation of gender mainstreaming policies? Many international organizations have adopted policies to prevent gender discrimination in their operations, but their implementation is often lackluster. We argue that these shortcomings appear due to a combination of institutional incentives and an underrepresentation of women in their staff. We test the argument in the case of the World Bank, drawing on highly disaggregated staffing data, an instrumental variable strategy, and an elite survey experiment. Our results show that most staff incorporate at least shallow gender mainstreaming in their projects. Deeper implementation of gender mainstreaming is more likely when women staff supervise projects, hold positions of authority, and are more represented as coworkers. These results contribute to understanding the disconnects between talk and action on mainstreaming policies and inform debates on representation in global governance.

Implementasi Work-Life Balance pada Guru Perempuan yang Telah Menikah

This study aims to explain the implementation of work-life balance in married female teachers and to describe the factors that affect work-life balance in married female teachers. This study uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. The subjects of this study are married female teachers who teach and hold positions in the madrasah organization at MAS PP Ad-Dhiya’ Meranti, with a total of three teachers, consisting of two senior teachers and one junior teacher with less than three years of work experience. Based on the data analysis and final findings of this study, the researcher has concluded that the work-life balance experienced by married female teachers at MAS PP Ad-Dhiya’ Meranti, where they acted as participants in this study, viewed from the WIPL dimension, married female teachers at MAS PP Ad-Dhiya’ Meranti are still not able to perfectly manage their personal and work lives. The personal lives of married female teachers at MAS PP Ad-Dhiya’ Meranti do not significantly disrupt their ability to work and have a career. The job as a teacher and holding an important position at work can improve the quality of their personal lives, both financially and in terms of personal life, married female teachers at MAS PP Ad-Dhiya’ Meranti can improve the quality of their work. The factors that affect the work-life balance of married female teachers are family support, especially from their husbands, and gratitude.

The Influence Of Risk Management Committee And Family Ownership With Company Performance In Indonesia: Busy Directors As Moderating Variable

Corporate risk management and corporate governance have become important in managing the company. Both are believed to be able to reduce agency problems, between company owners and managers or between shareholders. Using a panel data regression analysis model, a sample of 602 non-financial public companies registered in Indonesia in the 2019-2021 period, this study focused on testing the effect of the existence of the Risk Management Committee and family share ownership on company performance ( ROA). The study also used busy directors as a moderating variable. The results showed that the existence of the Risk Management Committee had a positive and significant relationship with ROA. But family ownership has a negative and significant relationship with ROA. Meanwhile, the presence of commissioners who concurrently hold positions in other companies at once or busy directors, does not significantly affect the relationship between the Risk Management Committee and family ownership and the company's performance.

Social and Political Actors in the Czech Media Discourse on Ph.D. – A Content Analysis

Aim/Purpose: This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the media portrayal of Ph.D. programs in the Czech Republic. Specifically, it explores how doctoral study programs, their students, and the Ph.D. degree are represented across various topics and social actors over an 18-month period. Background: The societal perception of Ph.D. studies, especially at the postgraduate level, is significantly shaped by media representations, including their connections to science, academia, and broader social life. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the portrayal of the Ph.D. phenomenon in the media. The Czech Republic provides a relevant use case because of Central Eastern European (CEE) settings and amplified media coverage. The main factors are several political and social influences and governmental discussions regarding the legality of and against precarious conditions. Methodology: This study utilizes a qualitative method of conventional and directed content analysis to thematically categorize a corpus of 456 articles on Czech news platforms. A subset of these articles (thematic cluster about study conditions) undergoes further analysis to identify represented social actors. The results are clustered and interpreted using examples from the dataset. The instances of studied phenomena are quantified to provide an enumerated representation of individual themes and social actors. Contribution: The author contributes to research on doctoral studies by expanding the existing knowledge through media content analysis within the social constructivist paradigm. Moreover, the CEE region, often overlooked in doctoral studies and science communication research, is highlighted here. Finally, this article enriches the understanding of public relations strategies for higher-education institutions by focusing on earned media channels as opposed to solely owned ones. Findings: The analysis leads to the determination of 10 thematic clusters that can be succinctly categorized into four main areas: “Ph.D. Title,” “University Life,” “Study Conditions,” and “Controversial Issues.” The latter two categories are notably politicized, a fact underscored by the actor analysis, which shows a predominance of political figures in the media coverage. An unexpected result of the research is the significant underrepresentation of student voices in the analyzed sample of media outputs, except for those doctoral students who also hold positions such as student initiative chairs. Additionally, comparing the results to previous research on doctoral studies, it can be argued that many of the critical topics discussed by the research community, such as mental health issues or diversity of the student cohort, are not equally represented in media portrayals. Recommendations for Practitioners: Practitioners, especially communication professionals from higher education institutions and research centers, can leverage these insights to refine their communication strategy. This can help counterbalance prevailing media narratives and provide a more representative portrayal of study programs, focusing on areas currently underrepresented in media discourse. Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers from other regions are encouraged to conduct similar studies using the presented framework to map the representation of Ph.D. in respective media outlets. It is advisable to consider the local context in the interpretative phase of the content analysis, as demonstrated in this study. Impact on Society: The findings elucidate the role of the Ph.D. within the national media landscape of higher education, potentially influencing policymakers, journalists, and science communication professionals to reconsider their approaches to media discourse. Lastly, as hinted above, science communication professionals can benefit from the results in terms of future development of media outreach strategy with a focus on targeted topics. Future Research: The presented work would benefit from a broader, multinational comparison and also a complementary audience analysis to understand how Ph.D. students and possible applicants interpret these messages and whether they correlate with their attitudes.

Persuasive Language Strategies Utilised by the Student Representative Council in Fundraising for Programs

Student Representative Councils (SRC) have an important role to play in fundraising and supporting a variety of student programs and initiatives. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of these efforts can often live or die based on how well communication strategies are implemented. The attention of this study is relied on the persuasive language strategies used by SRC in their fundraising communications. Utilizing Aristotle’s model for rhetoric that includes ethos, pathos, and logos the research seeks to determine how these tactics are integrated and ultimately effect fundraising success. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three student representatives, aged between 18 and 21 years old prior to data collection who all hold positions within high office elected through a campus wide council common themes and patterns were identified through cross-case coding, these data are presented in the study. The results suggest that SRCs favor often combining their communications using a mix of credibility (ethos), emotional appeal (pathos), and logical arguments(logos). Keeping your donors up-to-date, personally connecting with them and being more transparent were identified to help in increasing credibility and trust. Such personal emotional stories and images produced advocacy change where data driven evidence-based arguments did not, we also developed a logic model different logs for each department as well budgets which now explain our work in ways that will compel you to donate. One speaks to the literature by illustrating how strategic communication practices are relevant in educational fundraising. Suggesting tangible modifications for SRCs to enhance their persuasiveness, both influencing more effective fundraising results. The scope of future research might be widened by investigating a larger sample and involving multiple institutions as well, to enhance the generalizability. Within this context, the research evidences of importance that persuasive language plays in propelling donors to provide needed financial support towards student activities-an understanding likely beneficial for more successful fundraisers among other collegiate groups.

University of Patras: A "Green" University? A Case Study of a Greek University Institution

The unprecedented intensity of climate change shows how urgent the need to make our societies more sustainable is. It is therefore positive that many enterprises and educational organizations worldwide are making efforts to integrate the principles of sustainable development into their way of operating. The aim of this article is to highlight the research findings on the actions and processes adopted in a Greek university, the University of Patras, to promote sustainability and ‘green’ operation. It is a qualitative survey conducted at the University of Patras with the participation of 13 professors of the university as the key - actors as they: a) teach relevant courses, b) participate in relevant actions, c) hold (at the time of the research) positions of responsibility in the leadership of the university. By generating the data, through the use of thematic analysis of official university texts and semi-structured interviews it is concluded that this university is in an early stage of transformation to a green operating model.

Power Relations and Maasai Women’s Access to Social Health Security in Kajiado West Sub-County, Kenya

Health is a human right and over the years, national governments have invested heavily to provide citizens with quality, accessible, and affordable health care. Although some aspects of women’s health have improved, there are still important unmet needs. The Maasai community has a patriarchal social structure, where men hold positions of power and authority. Women often have limited decision-making power and may face barriers to accessing healthcare independently. The study examined the effect of power relations on Maasai women’s access to social health security in Kajiado West Sub-County,Kenya. The study employed a mixed-method sequential explanatory design. The target population were Maasai women of Kajiado West Sub County. The sample size was 398, according to the Yamane formula. Questionnaires, interview guides and Focus Group Discussions were used in data collection. The study found a significant negative relationship between power differences and women’s social security for health in Kajiado West Sub-County. In the Maasai community men are in command of family leadership and women obey decisions made by their husbands without questioning. Accessibility to health services is challenging for women since they have to walk far to access health services. The majority of the women are aware of the Linda Mama package and the National Health Insurance Fund national scheme package. The study recommends that there is a need for the government and international and nongovernmental organisations to promote gender equality to address the patriarchy and power relation disparities. There is a need for sensitisation on the rights of women, especially about health.

A Comparative Study of Gender Disparities in Geoscience and Mining in Mongolia

Mongolian women enjoy equal rights and actively participate in various sectors of the national economy, including the mineral and mining industry. The Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST), the largest university in Mongolia, plays a crucial role in preparing engineers for the Mongolian industry. Within MUST, the School of Geology and Mining Engineering (SGME) stands out as one of the largest schools, boasting a dedicated team of 136 staff members. Impressively, 92 of these staff members are female, constituting a remarkable 67.65% of the total staff. The directorial board of SGME, consisting of 12 members, also demonstrates a noteworthy level of gender diversity, with 5 of its members being female. This represents a proportion of 41.67% and highlights the inclusion of women in decision-making positions. Additionally, it is worth noting that the Geology and Hydrogeology department, one of the five departments within the School, is led by a capable female leader. However, despite the encouraging representation of women among staff and in leadership roles, there is a noticeable disparity in the enrollment and graduation rates of students at SGME. Currently, these rates stand at only about 20–24 percent, indicating the need for further efforts to encourage and support female students in pursuing geology and mining engineering studies. Outside of academia, within the mining industry, the Oyu Tolgoi large-scale mine, which in 2022 employed 20,328 workers, faces a significant gender imbalance. Out of this workforce, only 3577 are women, comprising a mere 18% of the total employees, while the remaining 82% are men. Among the 2997 total employees in the open pit mine, 737 women are employed in various roles, including 66 engineers and technicians, with the remaining 671 in other positions. In the newly opened underground mine, the total number of women employees stands at 2840, including 248 engineers and technicians and 2592 in other roles. Furthermore, on the Board of Directors, there are only 2 women out of a total of 23 managers, and a mere 104 women hold positions as senior staff and superintendents. A comparative analysis between Asia and other global regions reveals that female employment in Mongolia’s mining sector in general, at 18%, closely aligns with Oceania’s rates (17%) and surpasses those of both the broader Asian region (13%) and South America (11%). Addressing these statistical imbalances is crucial to improving gender equality in geoscience and mining. Historically, the mining industry has been male-dominated, but women-led professional geoscience and mining organizations in Mongolia play a vital role in promoting the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in these industries. Recognizing the significance of gender diversity, these organizations strive to increase the representation of women in leadership positions. Women in leadership bring unique perspectives that contribute to well-rounded decision-making processes within organizations. By acknowledging the importance of gender dynamics, promoting inclusivity, and supporting the professional growth of Mongolian women in geoscience and mining, the overall development and sustainability of these sectors in the country will be greatly enhanced.

Women on boards and on top management positions and excess cash holdings: a quantile regression approach

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of gender diversity on boards and on top management positions on excess cash holdings.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt the quantile regression approach to test the relation between gender diversity and excess cash holding. The sample consists of 1,235 firm-year observations for the period 2005–2017.FindingsThe authors find that board gender diversity negatively influences the level of excess cash. This result suggests that women appointed in the boardroom are effective in monitoring managerial actions, including financing policies. The results also show that by forcing companies to have a quota of women on their boards, the presence of women no longer has a negative impact on excess cash holdings. However, when women stand at the chief executive officer or chief financial officer position, they tend to accumulate cash for precautionary motives. These results suggest that women behave differently regarding excess cash holding as monitors compared to their role as decision-makers.Practical implicationsThe results may be of interest to legislators who may decide to break the glass ceiling, preventing women from gaining greater access to senior management positions. This is in line with the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Governance Code of 2020, which strongly recommends the recruitment of women to senior management positions. The results are also important to investors, who might be likely to trust companies in which women hold positions on boards of directors which may increase firm value. The results may also have a social impact. Indeed, the role of women in society may be enhanced if such initiatives are taken to increase their representation on leadership positions and in society in general.Social implicationsThe results may also have a social impact. Indeed, the role of women in society may be enhanced if such initiatives are taken to increase their representation on leadership positions and in society in general.Originality/valueThis study investigates the role of women both as controllers and decision-makers in holding excessive amounts of cash. It also highlights new evidence on the impact the approach of appointing women on boards (enabling/coercive and market-based) can have on the relation between gender diversity and excess cash holdings.

751 Burn Therapy Certified Therapists Representation within Burn Society Leadership

Abstract Introduction The American Burn Association (ABA) Burn Therapist Certification (BT-C) program, developed in 2018, derived from an organizational desire to promote vetted quality burn care across the interprofessional team. Leadership positions within organizations, are responsible for formulating policy, developing education, and providing oversite to ensure the success of the association. A previous study examining interdisciplinary representation within burn society leadership for the ABA and International Society of Burn Injuries, found that rehabilitation representation within governance positions was 7% and 9% within committee memberships. In a 2022 Letter to the Editor, therapists described limited center support as a barrier for obtaining BT-C. This study aims to examine BT-C member involvement within ABA society leadership. Methods Official ABA society and membership websites were accessed to identify BT-C recipients who currently hold positions within society governance and committee memberships. ABA Special Interest Group (SIG) membership was also examined. The Journal of Burn Care and Research (JBCR) website was accessed to identify BT-C recipients on the editorial board. BT-C members were compared to other therapist involvement. Results Of 32 qualified BT-C therapists, 26 continue their ABA memberships. BT-C therapists hold 3 Governance positions (Board membership and current ABA President) and maintain 36 of the available 77 committee positions (47%). Excluding the BT-C Committee from data collection, BT-C therapists make up 44% (n=23) of therapist committee positions within the ABA. BT-C therapists hold a combined 46 SIG memberships. The JBCR currently lists 2 therapists on the editorial board, both of whom are BT-C. Conclusions Despite representing a fraction of the burn therapy community, BT-C therapists continue to be leaders within the burn field by participation in ABA membership, governance, and committee memberships. Current BT-C therapists serve to establish standards in research published within the JBCR. Professional and academic societies depend on qualified leaders to set standards of burn care. Promoting BT-C within individual burn centers may stimulate leadership within the center and burn professional organizations. Applicability of Research to Practice Definitive evidence supporting the benefits of BT-C to individuals and organizations is needed to overcome current barriers to certification.

Reform of the Limited Liability Company Law for the Enforcement of Good Corporate Governance

The presence of majority shareholders who also hold positions as public company executives leads to a conflict of interest due to their dual status. During the general meeting of shareholders, these shareholders have the power to endorse the work plans of the directors and commissioners. As per the limited liability corporation law, shareholders are responsible for appointing and dismissing directors and commissioners. This study aims to investigate the conflict of interest that arises when a majority shareholder serves as a director or commissioner, utilizing normative legal theory. The research focuses on a sample of companies in the financial industry. The findings of this study recommend regulatory reforms to govern the voting rights of majority shareholders at the annual general meeting of shareholders (AGMS). It suggests that the AGMS should exclude the voting rights of shareholders with conflicts of interest. Additionally, any transaction involving a conflict of interest should require the approval of other shareholders, which can be deliberated during a general meeting of shareholders.